Trekking – Roberto Cavallero Trail
An extraordinary high-altitude journey retracing ancient paths, five days among the bivouacs and peaks of the Upper Maira Valley.
In 1992, the Sentiero Roberto Cavallero was inaugurated on the initiative of the Gruppo Alpinistico Benese and Nino Perino. The route is reserved for expert hikers due to the many challenging sections to face. Therefore, good physical training, orientation skills, and the ability to move across varied and difficult terrain are required.
Mountaineering equipment is advisable on the first day, for the ascent to Passo di Terre Nere, while at the beginning of the season many snow-covered sections may require the use of crampons and an ice axe.
THE STAGES
From Campo Base (1,650 m) to Bivacco Barenghi (2,815 m)
Elevation gain: 1,500 m
Maximum altitude: Passo di Terre Nere (3,035 m)
From Campo Base, climb to the plateau of Grange Collet, then follow the obvious trail to Colle Maurin, keeping to the left at the base of the Aiguille de Chambeyron toward Colle Ciaslaras, reached after a steep ascent. Then descend into the Vallone dell’Infernetto to an elevation of 2,830 m, where on the right you take the steep gully to Passo di Terre Nere. The next section is the most difficult – a harness and via ferrata kit are recommended – involving a 40-meter climb under an overhang and a traverse across a very exposed ledge, with a chain for assistance. From the pass, the trail crosses the scree above Lago dei Nove Colori to Colle Gippiera, from where a short descent leads to Bivacco Barenghi.
From Bivacco Barenghi (2,815 m) to Bivacco Bonelli (2,330 m)
Elevation gain: 650 m
Maximum altitude: Monte Viraysse (2,838 m)
From Bivacco Barenghi, descend into the Vallonasso di Stroppia to about 2,600 m, where the trail enters the valley between Monte Baueria and Buc de Nubiera. The path, steep at first and then more undulating, leads to La Forcellina, from where a quick descent on fine scree – beware of rockfall – brings you to Il Passetto, among the ruins of the Alpine Wall fortifications. A traverse soon leads to Colle Sautron; the ascent to Monte Viraysse follows the ridge, with no technical difficulties. The descent to Colle Aguya is more exposed, from which grassy slopes lead to Bivacco Bonelli, near Apzoi Lake.
From Bivacco Bonelli (2,330 m) to Bivacco Valmaggia (2,335 m)
Elevation gain: 570 m
Maximum altitude: Colle Feuillas, 2,749 m
From Bivacco Bonelli, return briefly toward Colle delle Munie to take the steep path to Colle Villadel. From the pass, continue along a mid-slope trail through a small valley beneath Monte Oronaye, with the namesake lake further down; continuing around the mountain, you reach Colle Feuillas. The steep and exposed descent, which requires caution, passes a military hut – the starting point of the Ferrata degli Alpini – and continues more easily to the high pastures where the new Bivacco Valmaggia stands.
From Bivacco Valmaggia (2,335 m) to Chialvetta (1,500 m)
Elevation gain: 700 m
Maximum altitude: Monte Scaletta, 2,840 m
From Bivacco Valmaggia, climb toward Colle Feuillas, but before the steeper part, take the path on the left that leads to the notch between Monte Feuillas and Monte Vanclava. Pass by a military barrack and, through numerous switchbacks and a long traverse, reach Passo Scaletta. From the pass, the trail to the summit begins, passing through a military tunnel – a flashlight is recommended – and then a trench section to the summit. The trail continues scenically along ledges and ridges until, descending toward Valle Stura, you reach Passo Peroni. Shortly after, you pass Bivacco Due Valli and Passo La Croce, and a short gully brings you to Colletta Vittorio. Continuing left, you reach Caserma Escalon and then Prato Ciorliero, in Valle dell’Unerzio. Overnight stay possible in Viviere and Chialvetta.
From Chialvetta (1,500 m) to Rifugio Campo Base (1,650 m)
Elevation gain: 1,050 m
Maximum altitude: Il Colletto (2,680 m)
Climb up the Valle dell’Unerzio to take the path to Colle di Enchiausa, which you follow to about 2,120 m. Near a large boulder, take the right branch, which, through meadows and scree, leads to Il Colletto. Descend first through debris and then grassy ridges until you reach the path that connects Sorgenti del Maira to Lago d’Apzoi, just above Lago Visaisa. Turning right, continue downhill to meet the Saretto – Grange Pausa military road; follow it uphill to the left until, with Chiappera now in sight, you descend the scree to the paved road, which soon leads back to Campo Base.
Mountain sports are potentially dangerous activities and should only be undertaken with the proper equipment and preparation. We recommend checking the weather and avalanche forecasts before setting off on a hike and/or contacting a guide for accompaniment. Campo Base S.r.l. disclaims any responsibility for the advice and itineraries provided here, which should be personally assessed based on weather and snow conditions.